Late Riverdale star Luke Perry has reportedly had one of his final wishes granted – being buried in an eco-suit. Perry, who died after suffering a severe stroke on March 4, was said to have previously outlined wishes for both his estate and how his remains should be handled after a health scare.
Buried in Tennessee, the Beverly 90210 actor was allegedly dressed in a “mushroom-suit”, said to cleanse the body of harsh toxins that can pollute the environment during the decomposition process. Made from biodegradable materials, the main focus of the suit is to maintain the cycle of life by giving surrounding roots nutrients from the body. The suit wasn’t the only thing Perry was said to have been prepared for – allegedly, he had created a Will in 2015 outlining his plans for his estate. It is said that his children will inherit his estate, reportedly worth around US$10 million.
Although making a Will can seem like a complicated process, it’s the best way to ensure your wishes are adhered to after your death.
What can I include in a Will?
A Will is a legally binding document that expresses your wishes for your estate in the event of your death. Planning this document should be taken seriously, as it’ll be used – in most cases – to divide your assets exactly as written. The parts of an estate commonly included in Wills are:
- Properties and land.
- Cars.
- Heirlooms and jewellery.
- Investments.
It’s important to note that superannuation and life insurance can be listed in your Will, however, the distribution of these assets will only be in line with what had been signed or agreed on in their respective policies. In addition to their estate, many people write their desired arrangements for burial or cremation. It’s best practice to discuss such funeral planning with family members, however, as often Wills aren’t examined until after the memorial period.
What happens if I die without a Will?
Dying without a Will in NSW is known as intestacy. The Succession Act 2006 (NSW) provides a hierarchy of inheritance where a spouse will automatically receive the estate, followed by any surviving children. If you die without a spouse or children, inheritance is determined in the following order:
- Parents.
- Siblings.
- Grandparents.
- Uncles and aunts.
- Cousins.
How can I make a claim?
Even if there isn’t a Will in place, or you don’t fit the criteria of the aforementioned persons, you may be able to file a claim for the estate under the Family Provisions Act 1982 (NSW). This act allows for former dependents of the deceased, or those who once lived with them, to claim part of their estate.
If you’re considering making a claim or contesting a Will, get in touch with the expert team at Gerard Malouf & Partners Will Disputes Lawyers.
